Nearly 30 percent of soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Of these veterans, some will continue to suffer lifelong symptoms, some receive treatment, and others return to the battlefield. By embedding with U.S. troops in the Middle East, journalist Ann Jones saw firsthand the psychological effects of war. Her latest book They Were Soldiers: How the Wounded Return from America’s Wars: The Untold Story examines the “untold story” of collateral damage — the physical and mental state of returning soldiers. She expertly weaves a picture of the unseen scars, psychological torment, and the internal wars veterans continue to face daily. Drug addiction, suicide, violence against women, and other negative impacts of serving in war are often forgotten, but Jones’ book is a critical look at the direct toll war takes on not only veterans, but the field doctors, parents, children, and neighbors of our troops, analyzing just how far America’s promise to support our troops really goes.
Music by Jim Page.
Thanks to Seattle Town Hall & Elliott Bay Books
Camera by Todd Boyle.
 
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